This week, comedy and satire took a stand against corporate pressure, showcasing their ability to push back in a dramatic and direct manner. The approval of Paramount’s $8-billion merger with Skydance came just days after CBS announced the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show, currently hosted by Colbert.
Colbert’s cancellation sparked concerns that it might limit political commentary in other areas of Paramount’s media empire. However, Jon Stewart quickly responded with a scathing monologue on The Daily Show, questioning CBS’ statement about the cancellation being “purely financial.” He also criticized Paramount for its potential to silence satirical voices and lambasted media companies, law firms, universities, and other institutions that might censor themselves to avoid government backlash.
The real surprise came when South Park released its first episode of its 27th season on Comedy Central. Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s creators had just completed tough negotiations with Paramount over new episodes and streaming rights, resulting in a five-year, $1.5-billion deal. The season premiere “Sermon on the Mount” was a scathing satire targeting President Trump, Colbert’s cancellation, Christian nationalism, woke ideology, and more.
The episode’s intensity and barbs showed that Parker and Stone are not afraid to poke fun at their corporate overlords. They lampooned stereotypes about NPR while referencing Congress’ recent vote to take back previously approved funding for public media.
Meanwhile, Colbert continued the conversation with his own monologues, promising “for the next 10 months, the gloves are off.” He also mocked Trump’s reaction to his cancellation and called CBS’ assertion that he was let go due to financial reasons into question. The Late Show’s previous host, David Letterman, also weighed in last week, calling CBS’ actions “pure cowardice” and expressing skepticism about the cancellation being purely financial.
The episode generated massive debate and controversy, showcasing Comedy Central’s willingness to take risks and push boundaries. This display of defiance from comedians and satirists demonstrates their ability to resist corporate pressure and maintain their independence, even in the face of public scrutiny.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/07/27/nx-s1-5480172/colbert-south-park-jon-stewart-paramount-trump